The Ausangate trek is an amazing option for those looking for a challenging, and high-altitude trek, with several high passes to cross. It is not recommended for people with physical problems, because this walk is demanding. It requires a good physical condition.
This imposing mountain range is located to the south east of Cusco. It has several peaks of more than 6,000 meters. The Mountain of Ausangate is considered a Sacred Mountain, or Tutelary Apu (God) of the Cusco region. In pre-Inca times the mountain was a place of worship and offering.
On this trek, we will see many glaciers, and get lost in the cloud forest of the clouds. We will see a lot of wild flora and fauna such as llamas and alpacas. We will observe the daily life of the inhabitants that has not changed over time. The houses are preserved with stones, in some cases with adobe (dried mud brick). If we are lucky, we will be able to observe the famous Andean Condor. We will also see many blue and other colored lagoons.
DURATION: 10 Days
PRICE: $
DEPARTURES: Scheduled departures
Today will be a great day. You will arrive at the international Cusco´s airport. The Hello Peru Tours team will meet you and transfer you to your hotel. Later, you will attend a pre-hike briefing with your lead guide to prepare for the challenge ahead.
It is important that you acclimatize to the altitude before starting the hike. The city of Cusco is located at an altitude of 3500 meters above sea level. This day we will walk through the center of the city, where we will explore the ancient Inca sites around it, to help you to acclimatize. One of the first places we will visit is the San Pedro market, where we will visit the different sections of this old market, such as the fruit section, handicrafts, etc. so you can learn about the variety of products and ingredients. After that, we will head to the Main Square of Cusco, which is surrounded by some impressive monuments such as the its Cathedral, and Campania de Jesús church, both built on the foundation of Inca palaces.
We will continue with our walk, towards the Temple of the Sun or Qoricancha, where our guide will give us a lot of information about this important place. After the visit we will go to the place known as the Balcony of Cusco, this place is San Blas. Popular and traditional neighborhood. From here you will see the impressive view offered by the city of Cusco. You will get to see its very narrow and colorful streets lined with local businesses on the side of the mountain. You will follow the path of the ancient Inca trails and discover the best hidden viewpoints to enjoy Cusco in a different way. Then we will take you to your hotel.
The third day will serve to continue acclimatizing and we will go to the Sacred Valley of the Incas, from here we will be able to see the Vilcabamba mountain range and many other snow-capped mountains along the way.
Our tour begins with a visit to the archaeological center of Pisaq, a site famous for its agricultural terraces. The, we will continue to Ollantaytambo: the best living example of Inca urbanism, with narrow streets and houses that have been inhabited since the 13th century.
Finally we will visit the town of Chinchero where we will meet indigenous people who still speak you in the ancient Quechua language and learn about traditional textile weaving techniques. The church in its Main Square was built on Inca foundations and houses baroque altars decorated with frescoes.
Today will be a great day. The Hello Peru Tours team will pick you up at your hotel very early and we will leave the city of Cusco, to start our 3-hour trip, to the starting point of our Ausangate Trek Peru, which is known as Quesiuno, where we will meet the local people team who will accompany you on this adventure. Once the muleteers have packed your bags and your equipment is ready, we will start the walking. It will take us about 3 hours to reach the Vinicunca pass, where we will have our first view of the Rainbow Mountain with its multicolored rocky layers and sediments. There will be time to take photos and rest, before continuing our walk for 2 more hours until Surimani Ccocha where we will stop for lunch. Then we will ascend again to cross the Warmisaya pass (5000m.a.s.l.) to descend for 2-3 hours to our campsite in Anantapata.
After an early breakfast, we will walk for 3 hours to the Pucacocha Pass. Today is another day of spectacular views, as we will be surrounded by stunning landscapes: lakes, glaciers, and high mountains, including the majestic Apu Ausangate (6,384 m.a.s.l.).
We may come across herds of llamas and alpacas, as shepherds use these trails to graze their animals as well as for trade. We will descend near Lake Pucacocha where we will make a stop to have lunch and recharge our energy. After lunch we continue the trek for another 4 more hours until we reach the Ausangate Cocha campsite
Today we will leave behind the beautiful blue lagoon Ausangate Cocha, to climb to the highest point of our Ausangate trek Peru, the Palomani Pass, at 5200m.a.s.l. From here we can see the Vilcanota mountain range, including the peaks of Caracol and Mariposa. We will descend from the pass towards the wide green valley of Pampacancha. Here, we are close to our base camp that is used for expeditions to the Ausangate Mountain.
Today we will get up very early and visit high peaks then we will pass through the small community of Q’ampa and head to the final step of our Ausangate trek Peru, the Q’ampa pass at 5100m.a.s.l. We will pass by seven colored lakes, but first we will stop for lunch at Lake Q’omercocha (Green Lake). We continue descending for several hours until we reach the town of Pacchanta. The village is inhabited by local shepherds and their families who demonstrate traditional weaving techniques. We can visit the medicinal hot springs where you can relax. We will camp in this place.
Today is the expected day, we will make the trip that will take us to Machu Picchu. Today the driver will meet us to take us to Ollantaytambo for about 5 hours. In Ollantaytambo, we will take the train that will take us to the town of Aguas Calientes, your guide will take you to the hotel.
A short bus ride will take us to the main site of Machu Picchu for a full guided tour that will last around 2½ hours. We will leave early in the morning towards the world-renowned and famous site of Machu Picchu. Impressive due to its ingenious architecture and unique location, surrounded by tropical vegetation. It is known as a magical, mysterious and astonishing place. The site was discovered in July 1911 by the young American archaeologist Hiram Bingham.
There is the option to climb Huayna Picchu, the mountain behind Machu Picchu, but you will need to reserve in advance to visit it. In the afternoon we will take the train back to Ollantaytambo and return to your hotel in Cusco.
Transfer from your hotel to Cusco airport. Today we leave Peru with everything in mind that it offered us, with all the experiences and adventures we have lived, which will only be very nice memories and we will tell the beautiful anecdotes that we have had on the trip. We will leave and take our flight back home. The end of a unique experience. Good trip! and maybe see you soon.
Looking for the best restaurants, party hostels, clubs, and tripadvisor member to unwind and enjoy a drink in Cusco? Whether you’re seeking a vibrant nightlife scene or a cozy spot to relax, this list has got you covered. From trendy rooftop bars with breathtaking views of the city to lively pubs offering a taste of […]
Cusco has a rich history and culture that can be seen in every aspect of the city. From its monumental architecture to its traditional dishes, Cusco is a melting pot of ancient Inca traditions and Spanish colonial influence. The city has many museums where you can learn about its past and present. But we will […]
Cusco is a beautiful Peruvian city known for its rich history, stunning landscapes and vibrant culture. The city was once the capital of the Inca Empire, and the gastronomy was finger-licking good. These are the best Cusco food dishes you must try when in the city: Cuy al Horno (Roasted Guinea Pig): A traditional dish […]